Assan Abdoulaye or Lee Heuk San, is a refugee from Cameroon. He has been naturalized as a Korean citizen. He cannot return to his country because he will face the death penalty. He has some boxing experience and decided to turn pro when he came to Korea. With his lean and lengthy build, he competed at super welterweight, knocking down his new countrymen left and right until he became the KBM Super Welterweight Champion. He moved down to welterweight, won one fight via decision and now has a shot at the WBA Asia Welterweight Championship. The defending champion, another Korean - Maru Jung one of Korea’s top boxers.

Q-Your next opponent is Maru Jung, WBA Asia Welterweight Champion. Unofficial polls on SMS suggest the odds of the fight are pretty even. Any thoughts?A-I will win the fight. No doubt.

Q-Jung said, “outside of the ring, we can smile and shake hands, but inside the ring, I won’t be as nice.” Thoughts?A-Boxing is a noble martial art, so sure we can exhange greetings and laugh, but in the ring, I become the lion, making Jung my prey.

Q-It’s fair to say that you are the more powerful puncher, especially with that devastating left straight, but Jung has a durable chin and is a more technical boxer. Do you agree?A-Yes, Jung is a very skillful boxer, but my superior athleticism and physical strength will allow me to win and beat boxer even more technically skillful than Jung.

Q-You have many fans in Korea. Even people who have zero interest in boxing has heard about you. Can you say something for your fans?A-I really thank all my fans that have trusted and supported me until now. I will dedicate this victory to the fans who have been with and we will continue further on our journey. Thank you!

Jung was the KBC welterweight champion, became the KBM Welterweight Champion by winning the tournament, then successfully won against the defending WBA Asia Welterweight champion this past February. Just recently, Hyun Mi Choi (Woman’s WBA Champion) and Min Wook Kim (Former OPBF champion) have joined his team. His new teammates are likely to have been a catalyst in studying the sweet science. The results of having superstars in one team will be evident on Sunday.

Q. Your first WBA ASIA title defense is against Lee Heuk San. If you had to predict the outcome, obviously you’d win right?A. He has a stylistic advantage and so I can’t say I will win for sure. Of course I’ll try, but can’t guarantee it. Only one way to find out right? But that being said, as a professional athlete, I do believe I will win.

Q. Can you elaborate? Are there any specific changes in preparation or training for his style?A.First of all, he’s a southpaw. Lefties usually assume that their advantage comes from their opposite stance, but I personally believe it’s due to unfamiliar timing so adjusting to a southpaw’s timing is key. I am practicing with southpaws but there aren’t many in Korea, especially at welterweight. So most of the time my orthodox sparring partners just spar as southpaws. That’s how I’ve been practicing to adjust.

Q.What are some other strengths? Do you see any weaknesses in his game?A.He’s a physical specimen, and his a great sense of rhythm. My biggest obstacle is breaking his rhythm because that’s where timing comes from. So I’ve been practicing disturbing my opponents rhythm and in turn their timing. One weakness is his simplicity. Because he had plenty of time to prepare for this match, it really depends on what he did to use and improve his “simplicity.” I assume he’s trained very hard for this fight.

Q.Anything for the fans?A. I want to show a great show by having a great match. I will give it my all.

At the press conference for the bout a prediction was asked from both fighters, with both predicting a stoppage.

Q- What is your prediction for this fight?A-Jung, “I will KO Lee in round 5”

Q- What is your prediction for this fight?A-Lee’s coach: “We will finish it in either round 4 or 6”

That came out of nowhere!

Editors note - For fans wanting to watch this contest it will be televised live on SPOTV, between 2PM and 6PM.